MEDIA RELEASE

Attorney General David M. Louie on Thursday formally joined a landmark $25 billion joint federal-state agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses and fraud, and unacceptable nationwide mortgage servicing practices.

The banks involved in the agreement are: Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Co., Citigroup, Inc., and Ally Financial, Inc. (Ally is the parent of GMAC Mortgage). In all, 49 states and the District of Columbia are part of the agreement; Okalahoma is the missing state.

“This agreement is a very good deal for Hawaii’s homeowners. It provides real relief and real money to help struggling homeowners in our state,” Louie said. “Importantly, this puts a stop to the bad practices of many banks, and puts into place a comprehensive set of reforms for how banks must treat homeowners with mortgages.”

Kealii Lopez, the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, said of the agreement: “This settlement for the affected homeowners is long overdue. The state did not wait for this settlement before we addressed the mortgage problems plaguing Hawaii homeowners. Hawaii addressed some of the key provisions in today’s settlement last year with the Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program and Act 48.”

Thousands of Hawaii homeowners will benefit from the agreement, which provides an estimated more than $8.2 million in direct relief to Hawaii homeowners and addresses future mortgage loan servicing practices.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general announced the national settlement Thursday in Washington, D.C.

The state’s estimated share of the settlement is more than $71 million. Hawaii’s borrowers will receive an estimated $60 million in benefits from loan term modifications and other direct relief, including principal reductions and deficiency waivers.

This includes:

* $9.3 million to address refinancing for Hawaii’s underwater borrowers
* More than $3.2 million paid directly to Hawaii homeowners who were improperly foreclosed on between Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2011

* Hawaii’s borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure from Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2011 and suffered servicing abuses would qualify for up to $2,000 in cash payments. Borrowers will be able to apply for such relief with no requirement to prove financial harm, and they can accept the money without having to release their individual claims against the servicers or the right to participate in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) review process. Borrowers will be contacted by the banks regarding loan modifications and principal reduction.

* The state will receive a direct payment of $8.2 million. These monies will be administered by the Department of the Attorney General, held in trust to provide benefits to Hawaii homeowners.
Reaction to the settlement locally has been positive.

According to the Reverend Bob Nakata, former legislator and board member of Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) Hawaii, “Attorneys General across the country were able to get all the big banks to agree to a common standard for servicing the troubled loans – and this is a game changer for families trying to navigate the maze of loan modification rules and policies.”

Added FACE’s Lead Organizer, Drew Astolfi, “the law is catching up to the sweeping changes in the banking industry made in the 90′s, and this settlement moves the ball down the field towards fairness – AG Louie and his team have done the state’s struggling homeowners a real service.”

Local residents were also pleased by the news. Melba Amaral of Oahu said of the settlement, “There are strong provisions in here that would have helped me and my family when we were struggling to get out of foreclosure.”

Mitizi Toro, a Maui resident added, “I feel like the Attorney General must really be listening to families like mine – when I read about the new standard for tracking documents, and giving homeowners a single person to talk to I was really proud of Hawaii!”

The unprecedented joint state-federal settlement is the result of a massive civil law enforcement investigation and initiative that includes state attorneys general and state banking regulators across the country, and nearly a dozen federal agencies.

The settlement holds banks accountable for past mortgage servicing and foreclosure fraud and abuses and provides relief to homeowners. With the backing of a federal court order and the oversight of an independent monitor, the settlement stops future fraud and abuse.

Under the agreement, the five servicers have agreed to provide $25 billion under a joint state-national settlement structure.

Nationally:

* Servicers commit a minimum of $17 billion directly to borrowers through a series of national homeowner relief effort options, including principal reduction. Given how the settlement is structured, servicers will actually provide up to an estimated $32 billion in direct homeowner relief.

* Servicers commit $3 billion to a mortgage refinancing program for borrowers who are current, but owe more than their home is currently worth.

* Servicers pay $5 billion to the states and federal government ($4.25 billion to the states and $750 million to the federal government). The state payments include funding for payments to borrowers for mortgage servicing abuse.

* Homeowners receive comprehensive new protections for new mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure standards.

* An independent monitor will ensure mortgage servicer compliance.

* States can pursue civil claims outside of the agreement, such as any criminal cases. Borrowers and investors can pursue individual, institutional or class action cases regardless of the agreement.

* Borrowers and investors can pursue individual, institutional, or class action cases regardless of the agreement.

The settlement does not grant any immunity from criminal offenses and will not affect criminal prosecutions. The agreement does not prevent homeowners or investors from pursuing individual, institutional or class action civil cases against the five servicers.

The pact also enables state attorneys general and federal agencies to investigate and pursue other aspects of the mortgage crisis, including securities cases and MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems) claims.

On Jan. 27, 2012, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder along with HUD Secretary Donovan, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director of Enforcement Robert Khuzami and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the formation of the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group.

The working group will investigate those responsible for misconduct contributing to the financial crisis through the pooling and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities.

“This agreement addresses breakdowns in the mortgage servicing industry, and allows us to pursue other mortgage-related misconduct,” Louie said.

“While this settlement includes significant relief for homeowners, it also puts in place new protections for homeowners in the form of mortgage servicing standards,” Louie said. “That’s not something we’d see if we simply won a money judgment in a trial.”

The final agreement, through a consent judgment, will be filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and will have the authority of a court order.

This enforcement action targets one segment of the nation’s vast and complex mortgage market, though the new servicing standards will apply to all mortgage loans serviced by the settling banks.

Because of the complexity of the mortgage market and this agreement, which will span a three year period, in some cases participating mortgage servicers will contact borrowers directly regarding loan modification options.

However, borrowers should contact their mortgage servicer to obtain more information about specific loan modification programs and whether they qualify under terms of this settlement. Settlement administrators or state attorneys general may also contact borrowers regarding certain aspects of the settlement.

— Find out more:

hawaii.gov/ag/mortgage…

www.NationalMortgageSe…
www.HUD.gov
www.DOJ.gov

—

Akaka’s statement on state-federal mortgage servicing settlement

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, a member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, issued the following statement Thursday:

“This national settlement with five of America’s largest banks will provide immediate and urgently needed relief to distressed homeowners in Hawaii and throughout our country, while demanding strict reforms on how mortgage lenders service their borrowers. As with all settlement agreements, the terms agreed to are a compromise and may not a perfect solution for all parties concerned, but I am pleased this settlement further protects homeowners from unfair lending practices as we continue to develop initiatives to restore our country’s housing market.”

MEDIA RELEASE

(HILO, HAWAII) The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) yesterday issued a final decision for Hawaii Electric Light Company’s (HELCO) 2010 rate case. The decision may result in a small reduction in electric rates for Hawaii Island electric customers going forward.

HELCO must still perform the detailed calculations to implement the rate adjustment, which must be approved by the PUC. The Hawaii State Office of Consumer Advocacy will also review the calculations. Previously, the PUC had approved a 1.74% interim increase, or $6 million in revenues, which has been reflected on electric bills for more than a year, since January 2011.

The 2010 rate case, filed in 2009, was requested to help pay for more than $200 million in capital improvements that are already serving customers. Some examples include HELCO’s steam generating unit at Keahole, which generates power using waste heat from two existing generators rather than using oil, and two West Hawaii transmission line upgrades. The rate case also covered increasing operations and maintenance costs for the island’s electric system. HELCO’s original request was for a 6% increase, or $20.9 million in revenues.

“We understand high electric bills are creating an even heavier burden on our customers. These investments will enable us to improve service, make better use of clean energy, and reduce our dependence on imported oil. Currently, more than half of a customer’s electric bill goes to pay for oil,” said Jay Ignacio, HELCO president.

In addition, the PUC decision implements a new method for setting future electric rates called “decoupling.” Decoupling is one of many major policy steps intended to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil.

Decoupling breaks the historic link between electricity usage and utility revenues. This allows utilities to better support increased energy efficiency, conservation and increased use of renewable energy resources. This helps to reduce the amount of fuel oil used to produce electricity. Individual electric bills will still be based on the amount of electricity a customer uses, so customers will still have an incentive to conserve and use electricity efficiently.

Decoupling will have no immediate impact on customer bills. Any annual adjustment, after review by the Consumer Advocate and PUC, is expected to be modest and begin no earlier than this summer.

–

Hawaii 24/7 file video of the PUC in Hilo and Jay Ignacio explaining decoupling

MEDIA RELEASE

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Tassimo Single-Cup Brewers

Units: About 835,000 in the United States and an additional 900,000 in Canada

Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp., of Irvine, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic disc, or T Disc, that holds the coffee or tea can burst and spray hot liquid and coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers using the brewer and onto bystanders, posing a burn hazard.

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Incidents/Injuries: There have been 140 reports of incidents with the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers, including 37 reports of second-degree burn injuries. One incident involved a 10-year-old girl from Minnesota who received second-degree burns to her face and neck and had to be hospitalized.

Description: This recall involves Tassimo brewers with the Bosch brand name and Tassimo Professional brewers. The brewers use plastic T Discs that are filled with coffee or tea to brew hot drinks. “BOSCH” and “TASSIMO” are printed on the front of the brewers. “TASSIMO PROFESSIONAL” is printed on the front of the professional model. The Bosch-brand brewers were sold in black, white, anthracite, gray, silver, red, titanium and white/gray colors. The Tassimo Professional brewers were only sold in black. The following model numbers and date codes are included in this recall. The model number and date code are located on the bottom of the brewer. No other Tassimo brewer is included in this recall.

Sold at: Department, mass merchandise and home improvement stores nationwide and on various websites, including www.tassimodirect.com, from June 2008 through February 2012 for between $100 and $250. The Tassimo Professional model was sold directly to hotels and food service providers and they are being contacted directly.

Manufactured in: Slovenia and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Tassimo brewers and contact the firm to order a free replacement T Disc holder for the brewing mechanism.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit www.tassimodirect.com/… to order a free replacement T Disc holder or contact the firm toll-free at (866) 918-8763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

Tassimo Espresso T Discs recalled by Kraft Foods due to burn hazard

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Tassimo espresso T Discs

Units: About 2.1 million packages in the United States and an additional 1.9 million in Canada

Manufacturer: Kraft Foods Global Inc., of Northfield, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled espresso T Discs can become clogged and spray hot liquid and coffee grounds onto consumers and bystanders during or after brewing, posing a burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 21 reports of incidents of hot liquid and/or coffee grounds spraying onto consumers and bystanders, including four reports of second-degree burn injuries. One injury involved 2-year-old girl from Canada who received second-degree burns to her face.

click on image above for larger view

Description: This recall involves Gevalia, Maxwell House and Nabob brand espresso T Discs. The T Discs are plastic discs filled with coffee that are inserted into Tassimo coffee makers to brew single cups of hot espresso drinks. They were sold in packages of eight or 16 espresso T Discs. T Discs with codes ending with 11213 through 12020 are included in this recall. The code is printed on the T Disc’s foil lid and on the side of the package.

No other T Discs are included in this recall.

Sold by: Department, mass merchandise, home improvement and other stores nationwide and on various websites, including www.tassimodirect.com, from August 2011 through February 2012 for between $8 and $11 per package.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled espresso T Discs immediately and contact the firm for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit www.tassimodirect.com/… or call the firm toll-free at (866) 918-8763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bumbleride Indie & Indie Twin Strollers

Units: About 28,000 (an additional 2,700 were sold in Canada)

Importer: Bumbleride Inc., of San Diego, Calif.

Hazard: The front wheel can break at the axle hub, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 36 incidents of the front wheel cracking, including two reports of the stroller tipping over resulting in minor injuries.

Description: The recalled Bumbleride Indie strollers are model numbers I-107, I-110 and I-205 with a DOM (Date of Manufacture) from January 2009 through August 2011 sold in multiple colors. The DOM (Date of Manufacture) can be found on a white rectangular sticker affixed to the side of the seat frame. The recalled Bumbleride Indie Twin strollers are model numbers IT-108, IT-111, and IT-305 with a DOM (Date of Manufacture) from January 2009 through August 2011 sold in multiple colors. The DOM (Date of Manufacture) can be found on a white rectangular sticker affixed to the underside of the handle.

Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and other baby product stores nationwide, online at Bumbleride.com, and other online retailers between January 2009 and January 2012 for between $500 and $700.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Bumbleride to receive a free front wheel retrofit kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit the firm’s website at www.support.bumbleride… or contact Bumbleride at support@bumbleride.com or at (800) 530-3930 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/…

Consumer Alert: To avoid the risk of strangulation to children, owners of Indie models (I-110, I-205) and Indie Twin models (IT-111, IT-305) with an adjustable bumper bar should never set the bar in the intermediate (car seat) position when a child is seated in the stroller. For more information, visit www.bumbleride.com/upd… or call (800) 530-3930.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii, February 6- Average retail gasoline prices in Hawaii have risen 0.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.11/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.43/g, according to gasoline price website HawaiiGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Hawaii during the past week, prices yesterday were 40.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 14.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 10.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 31.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“The national average has continued on its upward trend as we move closer to spring and EPA-mandated cleaner burning gasoline,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The smaller movements in gasoline prices as of late in areas of the country will certainly not hold much longer. Gasoline prices tend to start moving significantly higher towards the end of February and into mid-March, so motorists should be preparing for higher prices,” DeHaan said.

MEDIA RELEASE

Government officials and private sector leaders on Friday joined Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Choi Kyu-Chong, Director of the Electricity Market and Smart Grid Division at the Republic of Korea Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE), at the Hawaii State Capitol as the two leaders signed a letter of intent to pursue mutual interests in smart grid development in the Hawaiian Islands.

“We are delighted that the Republic of Korea has seen the value of partnering with Hawaii on a mutually beneficial smart grid development project,” Abercrombie said. “Partnerships like this show the world just how serious Hawaii is about our commitment to building a leading clean energy economy through clean energy demonstration and implementation. We are building an energy legacy for our state that will benefit the people of Hawaii for generations.”

Korea and the United States, specifically Hawaii, have been conducting a number of relevant smart grid demonstration projects. Korea and State of Hawaii recognize that it would be mutually beneficial to collaborate on smart grid research, development and demonstration projects in conjunction with public/private partners from Korea, Hawaii and elsewhere in the United States.

“The Republic of Korea and the State of Hawaii both share the common goals of clean energy and energy independence,” said Director Choi Kyu-Chong. “The language that we share is that of green growth, independence and prosperity. Through the development of advanced energy technologies, including smart grid, we can sustain and prosper.”

MKE and its Korea Smart Grid Institute (KSGI) have been at the forefront of the Korea Smart Grid Roadmap, South Korea’s plan to develop and implement a nationwide smart grid by 2030.

The MKE and KSGI are currently leading more than 170 South Korean companies in the development and deployment of the Jeju Island Test Bed, a planned 6,000 household smart grid community demonstration project in South Korea, with investments totaling more than $240 million between 2009 and 2013.

KSGI is also currently implementing a joint Korea-State of Illinois project to install energy-saving equipment in at least four Chicago buildings with investments of more than $35 million by companies such as LG Electronics and KT Corporation (formerly known as Korea Telecom).

The goal of the partnership between Korea and Hawaii is to develop a memorandum of understanding for a project in Hawaii similar to those mentioned above. Such a partnership would help both partners achieve the mutual goals of smart grid development and deployment, which ultimately improves energy efficiency and promotes economic growth.

“The state currently has approximately 80 renewable energy projects in various stages of development in the queue,” said state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director Richard Lim. “Building a smart grid system will help us manage the power that is generated by renewable resources, which means more projects can come to fruition. That translates into more jobs for our local economy.”

The next step outlined in the letter of intent is for both parties to collaborate on a more defined memorandum of understanding by October 31, 2012, which will describe the project partners, scope, location and resource contributions.

This project is in addition to another smart grid demonstration project that is currently taking place on Maui, which was brought forward through an agreement with Japan-based New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in November of 2011.

— Find out more:
www.energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines is accepting applications to fill up to 175 new flight attendant positions serving its transpacific and neighbor island routes.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 14 and must be submitted online to Hawaiian’s website for consideration.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by Hawaiian if they are selected to participate in an initial interview later this month.

Hawaiian is launching daily nonstop service between Honolulu and both Fukuoka (April 16) and New York City (June 5); adding a third daily flight year-round between Honolulu and Los Angeles (June 7); reintroducing nonstop daily service between Maui and Los Angeles this summer (June 21 – Aug. 18); and increasing to daily flights year-round between Honolulu and Seoul (July 16).

Hawaiian is also currently increasing its neighbor island flight schedule by an extra 23 to 25 flights daily, which is being supported by the addition of three Boeing 717-200 aircraft to its fleet.

Additional new transpacific services are being planned as Hawaiian continues to introduce more of its new Airbus A330-200 aircraft into the fleet. Four new A330s are joining the fleet by mid-year, followed by the delivery of 13 new A330s between 2013 and 2015.

Hawaiian currently has more than 4,200 employees, the most in the company’s history, and plans to increase its workforce by an additional 500 employees this year.

For further information, visit: www.HawaiianAir.com/Ab…

MEDIA RELEASE

First project in Arizona to use concentrated solar power with dual effect absorption chiller

Tucson, Arizona – February 3, 2012 – Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Nancy Sutley, will visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base today to inspect an air conditioning project that will be fueled by the sun. In a collaborative RDT&E effort, ESTCP, the US Navy and NASA have partnered to build the solar air conditioning system on the Air Force Base. They have selected Sopogy, a Hawaii-based clean tech, as technology provider.

Sopogy’s technology is called MicroCSP for micro-concentrated solar power. MicroCSP is a renewable source of energy delivered through modular, parabolic solar collectors. Sopogy’s collectors are twelve feet long, and weigh less than two-hundred pounds.

At Davis-Monthan AFB, the solar air conditioning system will provide sixty-six tons of chilled air to the Youth Center. Seventy-two MicroCSP collectors will concentrate the sun’s heat onto receiver tubes carrying heat transfer fluid to fuel the chiller. The dual-effect absorption chiller generates cold air with heat, not electricity, the hotter the sun, the more effective the chiller. In addition to the solar collectors, Sopogy is providing proprietary thermal storage to back-up the cooling system. MicroCSP thermal storage is low cost relative to batteries. When clouds roll in, hot fluid will flow from storage to the chiller for continuous production.

Department of Defense studies have concluded that air conditioning accounts for 30-60% of its total facility energy expenditures. Switching from fossil fuels to solar heat will help the DOD to meet is aggressive renewable energy targets. The demonstration project at Davis-Monthan AFB is scheduled for completion in March 2012.

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the promotion of Russell Ryan to the new position of managing director – treasury.

Ryan had held the title of senior director – fleet acquisition for Hawaiian since June 2008. This new position carries greater responsibility, as Ryan will also be managing Hawaiian’s treasury operations, capital markets and financial risk management, while continuing to play an important role in fleet planning and transaction activities.

Russell Ryan

“Russell has been a key player in executing the fleet plan that is now allowing us to grow our business,” said Scott Topping, Hawaiian’s executive vice president and CFO. “In this new position, we are utilizing his skill set to further strengthen our capabilities in Finance as we continue adding new services
for our customers.”

Ryan has more than 20 years of aviation experience with a diverse professional background that has included responsibilities for aircraft leasing, purchasing and selling, fleet management, business and strategic planning, financial analysis and modeling, and marketing and sales as an airline employee and consultant.

Before joining Hawaiian, he served as director of fleet planning for Aloha Airlines from February 2006 through May 2008.

He also developed and owned a successful online business offering value-added aviation data services for 10 years before selling it in 2005, and developed a consulting practice within an aircraft leasing company, which ultimately brought him to Hawaii in 2005.

Ryan graduated with first class honors earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and electronics with subsidiary in mathematics from the University of Reading in England. He went on to earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from London Business School in 1991.

MEDIA RELEASE

Pfizer Inc. announced today that it has voluntarily recalled 14 lots of Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)Tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic) for customers in the U.S. market. An investigation by Pfizer found that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence. The cause was identified and corrected immediately.

These products are oral contraceptives indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception. These tablets were manufactured and packaged by Pfizer Inc., commercialized by Akrimax Rx Products and labeled under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand. This product is distributed to warehouses, clinics and retail pharmacies nationwide.

As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy. These packaging defects do not pose any immediate health risks. However, consumers exposed to affected packaging should begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately. Patients who have the affected product (lot numbers are provided below) should notify their physician and return the product to the pharmacy.

These products are packaged in blister packs containing 21 tablets of active ingredients and seven tablets of inert ingredients. Correct dosing of this product is important in avoiding the associated risks of an unplanned pregnancy. Correctly packaged blister packs are pictured here.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of these products should be reported to Akrimax Medical Information at 1-877-509-3935 (8 AM to 7 PM Mon-Fri CST) or to FDA’s Med Watch Program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/r…
Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500
available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/g… Mail
to the address on the pre-addressed form.
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Pfizer has responded rapidly to ensure that its products continue to meet the company’s high quality standards. The safety of patients who take our medicines is our first priority.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Lot numbers of affected packs of Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)Tablets and Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic) follow on the table below:

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MEDIA RELEASE

Last week, in his State of the Union address, President Obama said: “Tax reform should follow the Buffett Rule.” On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and seven colleagues introduced legislation to make that goal a reality and put an end to a tax policy that often asks middle class workers to pay higher tax rates than individuals earning more than $1 million per year.

The Paying a Fair Share Act, introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and cosponsored by Sens. Akaka, Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), and Chuck Schumer (D-New York), would ensure multi-million-dollar earners pay at least a 30 percent effective tax rate, just as Obama proposed.

Akaka said, “This bill is about fairness. It’s simply not right that some millionaires pay a lower tax rate than hardworking middle-class families, and like President Obama said in the State of the Union, we must fix it now. We cannot ignore the fact that tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans added nearly a trillion dollars to the debt over the last decade, and the Congressional Budget Office released a report yesterday showing that these tax breaks will continue to push deficits to unsafe levels. Passing this bill would mark a strong first step toward achieving a tax code that returns to the core America values of fairness and shared responsibility.”

The Paying a Fair Share Act would apply only to taxpayers with income over $1 million – including capital gains and dividends. Taxpayers earning over $2 million would be subject to a 30 percent minimum federal tax rate.

The tax would be phased in for incomes between $1 million and $2 million, with those taxpayers paying a portion of the extra tax required to get them to a 30 percent effective tax rate. The bill also includes language to preserve the incentive for charitable giving.

The legislation is expected to reduce the deficit by tens of billions of dollars, and is currently awaiting a score by the Joint Committee on Taxation.

“It’s time to give middle class families in Rhode Island and across the country the straight deal they deserve,” said Whitehouse, who began drafting the legislation several months ago. “As we continue working to restore our economy, it’s more important than ever to make sure all Americans are paying their fair share toward our nation’s success – and right now that just isn’t happening. It’s inexcusable that our tax system permits ultra-high income earners to pay a lower tax rate than a truck driver or a janitor, and this legislation would help fix that unfair system.”

Whitehouse has pointed out in Senate speeches that the top 400 earners in America paid an average effective tax rate of just 18.2 percent in 2008. Obama often cites the example of Warren Buffett, who has famously highlighted that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.

“As one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for comprehensive tax reform, I’m a firm believer that our tax code is broken and our nation’s top earners need to pay their fair share,” Begich said. “There’s no reason why an Alaska fisherman or teacher should be paying a higher tax rate than a millionaire or billionaire. It makes no sense. Right now our top earners have a special status compared to middle class Alaska families who depend on earned incomes and it’s time to seek fairness.”

Blumenthal said, “The biggest earners should do their fair share – that basic American principle is our goal. I will fight for fairness in our tax code, with this measure as our first step. Hardworking families deserve this measure, and no less.”

“This legislation is a strong first step toward rebuilding the middle class by restoring a measure of fairness to our tax code. In our unbalanced economy, we must provide a tax code that represent the needs of our country, with respect to equality and fairness to our society as a whole,” Harkin said. “By ensuring that the wealthiest among us pay their fair share, we will be better able to afford critical investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation that can rebuild a strong, vibrant middle class.”

Leahy said, “While hard-working Vermont families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet in a difficult economy, tax fairness has continued to erode, benefitting the wealthiest one percent at the expense of the rest of the country. By now a large proportion of millionaires pay a smaller percentage of their income than do a large share of moderate-income taxpayers. As we grapple with large budget deficits worsened by the Bush tax cuts and two wars overseas, it is just common sense that those who have benefitted the most shoulder their fair share of the burden.”

Sanders said, “With a record-breaking $15 trillion national debt and a growing gap between the very rich and everyone else, it is absolutely absurd that the wealthiest people in the country are paying the lowest effective tax rate in decades. There is no excuse for millionaires and billionaires to have an effective tax rate lower than middle-class families. If we are serious about addressing this deficit crisis, it is imperative that we have a tax system which is fair and which asks the wealthiest people in our country to pay their fair share.”

MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced the appointment of Dean Seki as state comptroller to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

Seki replaces Jan Gouveia who has been serving as interim comptroller since October 2011. Gouveia will return to her position as deputy director of DAGS.

“Dean has been a member of the DAGS team for over a decade and is ready to lead the department in tackling present and future Capital Improvement Projects,” Abercrombie said.

Since 2002, Seki has worked in the DAGS Public Works Division as a policy and planning analyst. He has been in state government since 1991, serving in staff positions at the Legislature and the Department of Taxation.

Seki’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

In October 2011, then State Comptroller Bruce Coppa left DAGS to become the governor’s chief of staff.

“I’m looking forward to working with Dean in his new role as we continue to make the necessary changes in our aging infrastructure and begin to transform our state government with needed technology,” Coppa said.

MEDIA RELEASE

Lani Ann Miho, 52, has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright to the charge of bank embezzlement. She faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 when she is sentenced by Seabright on June 4, 2012.

Florence T. Nakakuni, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that according to information produced in court documents, Miho, an employee for 29 years with First Hawaiian Bank, acted as a branch manager and a personal banking officer July 2000-September 2010 on Oahu and Hawaii, where she created approximately 56 accounts in various names, withdrawing money and using the proceeds from recently opened accounts to pay balances due on earlier accounts.

Miho used her position within the bank to keep track of the accounts and pay them before they became delinquent. She converted the embezzled money to her own use.

According to the court documents, Miho obtained money from the fraudulent accounts, which including fees and interest, totaled approximately $2,683,494.13.

During the course of her embezzlement, Miho repaid approximately $2,074,044.69, leaving a net loss to First Hawaiian Bank of approximately $609,449.60.

The criminal case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Johnson.

MEDIA RELEASE

Walgreen Co. Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots of 13 Oz. Chocolate-Covered Raisins As Product May Contain Peanuts, Almonds, Soy Due to Packaging Error

Chocolate Covered Raisins packaging

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 28, 2012 – Walgreen Co. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of 13-oz. Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisins because the packages may contain Walgreens Bridge Mix with peanut, almond and soy ingredients.

The error occurred when Walgreens Bridge Mix was mistakenly packaged with the Walgreens Chocolate-Covered Raisin labeling. Walgreens discovered the incident after receiving a consumer complaint of an allergic reaction. The product manufacturer, GKI Foods, Inc. of Brighton, Mich., is also cooperating in the voluntary recall.

Walgreen Co. has already instructed stores to stop selling the affected product, which can be identified as a blue and white plastic bag with chocolate-covered raisins pictured on the front and the following identifying information on the back label: best by date of “Oct 42012A1″, UPC number 04902245661, and item number 280217. The affected product was distributed through Walgreen Co. distribution centers in Arizona, Connecticut and California and to Walgreens retail stores in the Northeastern and Western United States. Customers who have purchased the product may return it to Walgreens for a full refund.

Walgreen Co. and GKI Foods Inc. take the safety of their customers seriously and are working with the FDA on this recall. For additional information, contact Walgreens Product Quality Department at 847-315-2755, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. central time.

MEDIA RELEASE

State of Hawai’i adds $150,000 to EV Ready Rebate Program, pushes deadline to March

HONOLULU – The State of Hawai’i is re-energizing its successful EV Ready Rebate Program with an additional $150,000 and has extended the deadline for rebates on new electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and chargers from January 31 to March 31, 2012.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will run through the deadline or while funds are available, whichever comes first. The State anticipates an increase in consumer demand for new electric vehicles this year.

From early January 2011 to mid-January of this year, 528 rebates have been approved for 318 electric vehicles and 210 chargers, with $153,999 remaining in funding as of January 23. The additional funds increase the available total to $303,999. Rebate forms are available on the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii…

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will continue administering the EV Ready Rebate Program.

“The State of Hawai’i is definitely becoming a national leader when it comes to the acceptance of vehicles that are 100 percent electric,” said Mark Glick, Energy Program Administrator for the DBEDT’s State Energy Office. “With the cost of gas still on the rise, these vehicles offer consumers a cost-effective, long-term advantage. Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today, but it will help our State in the long run as we work to reach our energy independence goals.”

Hawai’i residents can apply for State rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicle chargers through the Hawai’i Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program. In addition to the State EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available for highway-capable vehicles (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit, which applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out). This allows for the potential of up to $12,500 in rebates and tax credits for an individual.

Many electric vehicle manufacturers are continuing to choose Hawai’i as an ideal location for many reasons, including:

• Consumers’ high level of enthusiasm to adopt electric transportation. Hawai’i has the largest number of reservations per capita in the country for the Nissan LEAF.
• Favorable electricity time-of-use EV charging rates from electric utility companies.
• Moderate climate, limited driving distances and a strong tourism industry are ideal for EV utilization.

“EV enthusiasts in Hawai’i have rewarded automakers for rolling out their new electric vehicles in the islands,” stated Dave Rolf, Executive Director of the Hawai’i Automobile Dealers Association. “The highest per capita U.S. market embrace of the Nissan LEAF was in Hawai’i this past year. The State’s addition of $150,000 in Hawai’i state tax rebates for consumers purchasing EVs will help keep the momentum on this important transition to renewable fuels.”

The EV Ready Program is funded by Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT. By April 2012, approximately 210 charging stations, at roughly 140 sites across all counties, will be installed as part of the EV Ready Grant Program. Some chargers will have the capacity to charge more than one vehicle at a time.

A listing of publically available EV charging stations in Hawai’i can be found on the Hawai’i Charging Station Database. This database is frequently updated as private and public organizations add charging stations across Hawai’i and as requests to post information are received. The database is available on DBEDT’s State Energy Office website at electricvehicle.hawaii….

The EV Ready Grant and Rebate Programs are part of the Transportation Energy Diversification Project, which is supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These funds are directed for use in the Hawai’i State Energy Program through the U.S. Department of Energy.

DBEDT’s Hawai’i Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has also provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the State; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and county fleets; car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on O’ahu.

The State of Hawai’i's economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawai’i's economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii, January 30- Average retail gasoline prices in Hawaii have risen 1.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.07/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.39/g, according to gasoline price website HawaiiGasPrices.com

Including the change in gas prices in Hawaii during the past week, prices yesterday were 33.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 9.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 13.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 30.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“Late last week we saw wholesale gasoline prices rise dramatically on some refinery issues, which leads me to believe that retail gasoline prices will rise in response,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “We continue to also watch how Iran responds to EU sanctions- there are some concerns that they may cut oil to the European region before the sanctions are to take effect to cause these countries hardship when they can’t find new sources of oil quickly enough. That in itself could draw crude oil prices higher quickly at a moments notice,” DeHaan said.

For Big Island gas prices and trends visit — www.hawaii247.com/gas

MEDIA RELEASE

Out of regard and concern for our consumers, Pinnacle Foods Group LLC is recalling certain Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes. The product may contain soy protein, an undeclared allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy protein may run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The voluntary recall was initiated after the Company discovered there may have been a potential cross-contact with product that contained soy protein being produced on the same equipment. There have been no reports of illness as a result of this incident. The Food and Drug Administration has been made aware of this recall.

This recall applies only to the following products: “AUNT JEMIMA FROZEN PANCAKES” packaged in cardboard cartons with the UPC codes listed below, which were sold and distributed nationally, with a ‘Recommended Use By Date’ between November 1, 2011 up to and including October 16, 2012. This date can be found in the white box on the end of the carton. (More photos of packaging)

Production Code information is as follows:

If you are allergic to or have a severe sensitivity to soy protein, you should not consume this product. Please return the product to the store where purchased for a full refund. If you are not allergic to soy protein, this product is safe to eat.

This announcement applies only to the AUNT JEMIMA FROZEN PANCAKE products listed above and does not include waffles, French toast, entrees, sandwiches, boxed pancake mixes and syrups.

Consumers with questions may contact the Company at 1- 888-299-7646 daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

MEDIA RELEASE

Dear Matson Customer:

As a result of rising bunker fuel prices and other energy related costs, Matson announced today that it is raising its fuel surcharge by five percentage points, from 40.5% to 45.5%, for its Hawaii service, effective February 26, 2012. The adjustment follows three consecutive decreases in August through October 2011, which totaled seven percentage points in a six week period.

“While we were encouraged by the moderation of bunker fuel prices in the second half of 2011, that trend has been reversed in recent months,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services. “Since announcing our last fuel surcharge reduction, bunker fuel prices have risen over 16 percent. Matson recognizes that energy costs are a major concern for all businesses, as well as consumers. Unfortunately, transportation companies are especially hard hit, with fuel consumption an unavoidable and significant component of operating costs. As with all increases, Matson gives our customers 30 days advance notice prior to implementation. We will continue to monitor fuel prices and adjust the surcharge accordingly.”

If you have any questions, please contact your local account executive or our Customer Support Center. Thank you for shipping with Matson.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations has announced the seasonally adjusted annual unemployment rate for 2011 was 6.3 percent, down from 6.6 percent in 2010.

In a separate measure of employment, in 2011 over 2010, the annual average statewide job count increased by 7,100, or 1.2 percent, to 594,000, with notable job gains in Professional & Business Services (+3,000), Educational & Health Services (+2,900), and Leisure & Hospitality (+2,500).

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 6.6 percent, a 0.1 percentage point increase from 6.5 percent in November. There were 591,700 employed and 41,900 unemployed in December, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 633,600.

Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent from the revised rate of 8.7 percent in November.

The unemployment rate figures for the State of Hawaii and the U.S. in this release are seasonally adjusted, in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) methodology. The not seasonally adjusted rate for the State declined to 6.2 percent in December from 6.6 percent in November.

Industry Payroll Employment (Establishment Survey)

Total seasonally adjusted nonagricultural jobs decreased by 1,100 jobs or -0.2 percent to 596,400 jobs from November to December.

Among major industry groups, job gains were experienced in Construction (+800), Leisure & Hospitality (+100), and Other Services (+100). Job losses occurred in Education & Health Services (-300), Financial Activities (-300), Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-600), and Professional & Business Services (-800). Government employment declined by 200 jobs over-the-month.

In comparison with one year ago, total seasonally adjusted nonagricultural jobs have gone up by 6,100, or +1.0 percent, with the largest job expansion in Leisure & Hospitality (+2,300, +2.3%), Educational & Health Services (+1,900, +2.5%), and Professional & Business Services (+1,700, +2.3%)

* Construction (+800)
After a decline in November, employment picked up in this industry, in particular among commercial project special trade contractors.

* Leisure & Hospitality (+100)
For the third consecutive month, employment in this sector has remained quite stable at the 104,000-level.

* Other Services (+100)
This miscellaneous grouping has shown little change throughout 2011, hovering around the 26,500-level.

* Education & Health Services (-300)
A majority of the decrease in this industry grouping occurred in Educational Services.

* Financial Activities (-300)
Most of the over-the-month drop in this sector was in Real Estate & Rental & Leasing. However, since May, the number of jobs in Financial Activities has expanded by 1,200, with the bulk of the increase attributed to job gains in Finance & Insurance

* Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-600)
After Retail Trade rose for the most part since June, job contraction in that sector was the primary cause for the employment decline in this industry grouping.

* Professional & Business Services (-800)
Moderate job losses in a wide spectrum of Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services contributed the most heavily to the decrease of this sector.

* Government (-200)
Slightly less hiring at the Department of Education resulted in the small decline in Government.

MEDIA RELEASE

Millions of workers could overlook a special federal tax credit because they don’t know about the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC.

If you are earning $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011, you may be able to qualify. You must file a federal income tax return and claim the credit to get it. Last year, EITC added an average of $2,100 for eligible workers.

Many people will qualify for the first time this year due to economic changes in their income or changes in their marital or parental statuses according to the IRS. The agency estimates four out of five eligible workers currently claim their EITC.

“We want to raise that to five out of five,” said Frecia Basilio, economic development specialist for the county Department of Research and Development. “This money can make a real difference to workers struggling in this economy. You earned it. Now you need to file, claim it and get it.”

You can get free help to determine your EITC eligibility and claiming the credit. Many communities have volunteer income tax assistance sites. You can locate a site by calling the Department of Research and Development at 961-8085, or the IRS at 1-800-906-9887.

To accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:

* Photo proof of identification
* Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration
* Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
* Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers
* Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
* Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available
* Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds
* Other relevant information about income and expenses
* Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider’s identifying number.

Both spouses must be present to sign joint returns. Anyone paid to prepare federal income tax returns is required by law to sign the return and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Number.

“EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy and allows more funds to flow within our communities. It’s money that can make lives a little easier,” Basilio said.